Why Australia still wins: High costs, tougher visas, but global students aren't leaving
In an era when the cost of international education is under fierce scrutiny, one destination continues to defy expectations: Australia. Despite rising housing prices, tightened visa policies, and a high cost of living that surpasses several competing nations, the country remains one of the most sought-after academic destinations for students across Asia, Africa, and beyond.
So what exactly is keeping the global student tide flowing toward the southern continent? The answer lies in a carefully balanced blend of academic reputation, employment opportunity, lifestyle appeal, and long-term migration prospects.
The reality check: Costs are climbing
There's no ignoring it, studying in Australia is expensive. Average monthly living costs in cities like Sydney or Melbourne can stretch beyond AUD 2,000, excluding tuition.
Rent inflation, grocery bills, and transport expenses are rising at a rate outpacing wage growth in many parts of the country.
To complicate matters further, the Australian government has recently moved to tighten post-study visa eligibility and job-hour caps for international students, measures aimed at curbing exploitative enrollment practices but also adding to the stress of genuine learners.
Yet despite these roadblocks, student interest isn't waning—it's evolving.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Buy the Dip: Top 5 Dividend Stocks with Growth Potential
Seeking Alpha
Read More
Undo
Academic firepower: Global ranking, local access
Australia boasts several universities ranked among the world's best, including the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, and the University of Sydney. Degrees from these institutions are recognized globally, offering students not only academic credibility but also international mobility.
Moreover, many institutions offer diverse programme structures, flexibility in course selection, and strong support systems for international students, including dedicated student services, language support, and tailored career guidance.
Post-study work rights: The game changer
A major draw continues to be Australia's robust post-study work visa system. While the government has tightened some aspects of eligibility, students graduating from select degrees in health, STEM, and regional universities remain eligible for longer post-study work durations, up to six years in some cases.
For many international students, particularly from India, these work rights are not just an extension of learning but a gateway to permanent residency.
That long-term opportunity offsets upfront cost concerns.
Multiculturalism and lifestyle: A soft power advantage
A
ustralia's welcoming environment is another silent persuader. Campuses across the country host students from dozens of nationalities, making integration easier and discrimination less pronounced than in some Western counterparts. Public safety, outdoor lifestyle, and English-medium instruction further smooth the transition for newcomers.
Indian students, in particular, cite cultural openness, food familiarity, and community networks as key reasons for choosing Australia over more restrictive or less familiar countries.
New challenges, adaptive choices
Still, the road ahead is not without friction. Increased scrutiny over student visas and part-time work has made it harder for financially constrained applicants to sustain themselves solely through onshore income. As a result, many are reconsidering course choices, targeting regional campuses with lower living costs, or seeking scholarships and assistantships to bridge the financial gap.
Universities are responding with new financial aid schemes and hybrid learning models to stay competitive.
Australia still delivers, but selectivity will rise
In a global market where students are weighing value more carefully than ever, Australia continues to offer a high return on investment, especially for those seeking a mix of quality education and long-term migration pathways. But the message from Canberra is clear: the era of open doors and unlimited work hours is over.
For serious, qualified students willing to plan, adapt, and invest, however, Australia remains not just an education hub, but a life-changing springboard.
Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Work of 2nd Saraighat rail-cum-road bridge over B'putra to start soon, tender expected next month
1 2 Guwahati: Work on the second Saraighat rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra in Guwahati will start soon, with tenders to be opened next month, followed by work allotment, officials said on Saturday. While this major infrastructure project was sanctioned during the FY 2023–24 with an estimated cost of Rs 1,473.77 crore, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on Saturday said the bridge is targeted for completion by Dec 2029. This bridge at Saraighat has been sanctioned as part of the doubling of the Agthori–Kamakhya railway line under NFR. "The geotechnical investigations have been completed for the design of the substructure and superstructure, and an EPC tender has been floated for the construction of the bridge, including approach roads, rail viaducts, earthwork, and ancillary works. The tender is expected to be finalised soon, and construction work will start immediately after that," NFR chief public relations officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said. As part of the progress, he informed that detailed estimates were sanctioned by the Railway Board in Feb 2024, and the design drawing and report was finalised and duly approved by the competent authority in March 2025. The project includes the construction of a 7.062 km-long stretch from Agthori on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra to Kamakhya on the southern bank, featuring a 1.3 km-long steel composite girder bridge over the Brahmaputra. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo NFR, in a statement, said the upcoming bridge will be designed with a double-line railway track on the lower deck and a three-lane roadway with footpaths on the upper deck. "The north-end approach of 2.694 km will connect to Agthori station, while the south-end approach of 3.07 km will connect to Kamakhya station," it added. Railways is hopeful that once completed, the new bridge will significantly enhance line capacity in the section, which is poised for industrial growth. "Besides improving connectivity, the project is expected to create substantial employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers in the surrounding areas," read the statement. The Union cabinet in Feb last year approved six multi-tracking projects across Indian Railways to facilitate ease of travelling, minimise logistics costs, reduce oil imports, and lower CO2 emissions. The Agthori-Kamakhya section with the new rail-cum-road bridge approved at a cost of Rs 1,650.37 crore was one of them. Projects are expected to increase the existing line capacity of the sections, causing a smoothing of train operations and improved punctuality as well as wagon turnaround time. They will facilitate a reduction of congestion and an increase in rail traffic, officials said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
HC hails TN's steps against fraud firms, calls SOPs a tangible relief
1 2 Madurai: Appreciating the state govt for issuing comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the effective implementation of the Tamil Nadu Protection of Interests of Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Act, 1997, pursuant to the court's earlier directions, Madras high court observed that what began as a matter of judicial concern has now evolved into a framework that promises tangible relief to affected depositors. Justice B Pugalendhi observed that the practical working of the TNPID Act was vitiated by administrative delay, lack of coordination, lack of proactive monitoring or awareness programmes, and absence of timelines, all of which defeated the very object of the legislation. These failures reduced the efficacy of the Act, leaving thousands of poor and middle-class depositors in prolonged distress. The judge observed that the court earlier issued certain directions to the state to prompt systemic reform and restore public faith in the process. Pursuant to the directions, the govt showed a meaningful response and structural progress. After a high-level meeting chaired by the chief secretary, comprehensive SOPs were issued on July 9 by the home department, bringing together all departments concerned under a common and time-bound procedural umbrella by issuing a GO. "The court also notes with appreciation that by the GO, the category of 'economic offender' has now been included as one of the categories under the Tamil Nadu Act 14 of 1982 (Goondas Act). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo This legislative inclusion empowers the authorities to invoke preventive detention against habitual offenders operating fraudulent financial establishments. This is a significant policy shift that strengthens the govt's arsenal to combat economic offences that affect public order and investor confidence, and hence, it deserves particular commendation," the judge observed. The judge observed that the court suggested the govt consider appointing a retired high court judge or a senior IAS officer as a full-time competent authority to expedite recovery and refund proceedings and inspire depositor confidence. The govt has now proposed the appointment of zonal-level officers as additional competent authorities, in addition to the existing district revenue officers, thereby decentralising and strengthening the overall enforcement machinery. The judge also appreciated the state public prosecutor Hasan Mohammed Jinnah and additional public prosecutor T. Senthil Kumar, who appeared in this matter and played a crucial role in communicating the concerns of the court to the govt. Their contribution reflects the important role that law officers play in bridging the judicial and executive institutions in matters of public interest and ensuring that judicial concerns are translated into administrative action, the judge observed while disposing of a contempt petition.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Housing societies in dilemma over NA tax in absence of govt resolution
1 2 3 4 5 6 Pune: Nearly ten months after the state cabinet announced abolition of non-agricultural (NA) tax for urban housing societies, confusion prevails over it due to absence of a formal govt resolution (GR) in this regard. The managements of housing societies across the state said they are not sure whether they should continue paying the tax till official guidelines are issued in this regard. The state cabinet, under Eknath Shinde-led govt, had approved scrapping of the NA tax in October 2024, ahead of the state assembly elections. The move was aimed at providing relief to societies in urban areas like Pune and Mumbai, where residents have been paying both property tax and NA tax. Housing societies have now approached the state government to issue a formal GR in this respect. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune "We have informed the housing societies that the NA tax has been scrapped. However, many have received payment notices post-October. There is widespread confusion on the issue. We urge the govt to issue a GR in this regard immediately," said Suhas Patwardhan, chairperson, Maharashtra State Housing Federation. The NA tax, which dates back to the British era, is levied on properties situated on agricultural land within the municipal corporation or council limits, excluding those located in designated gaothan areas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo The abolition was a long-standing demand of housing society federations. Despite the cabinet decision, lack of an official GR has left societies in a dilemma. Some have stopped paying tax based on the cabinet announcement, while others continue to pay to avoid potential penalties. Senior revenue department officials acknowledged the delay, attributing it to the timing of the assembly elections. "The law and judiciary department deferred the issue of GR last year, citing code of conduct during elections. Later, it was left to the new govt to issue the GR," a revenue department official told TOI. A senior official confirmed on Saturday that the GR is likely to be taken up in the next cabinet meeting and could be notified before August 15. "We understand the practical difficulties societies are facing. Clear directives will be issued through the GR shortly, which would give clarity to those who have paid NA tax and those who have not," the official added. In the meantime, housing societies remain divided in their approach. "We are aware that the tax has been scrapped, but without an official GR, we are hesitant to stop payment," said a senior committee member of a housing society in Kondhwa. "We have not received any directive from the state govt. Until the GR is issued, we cannot provide clear instructions to officials or societies," said a senior district administration official. The housing federation said that the issue affects thousands of housing societies and called on the govt to issue a resolution in this regard without any further delay. "This is a critical issue for middle-class homeowners. The longer the delay, the more confusion it will create. The govt must act swiftly," said Patwardhan. Pune: Nearly ten months after the state cabinet announced abolition of non-agricultural (NA) tax for urban housing societies, confusion prevails over it due to absence of a formal govt resolution (GR) in this regard. The managements of housing societies across the state said they are not sure whether they should continue paying the tax till official guidelines are issued in this regard. The state cabinet, under Eknath Shinde-led govt, had approved scrapping of the NA tax in October 2024, ahead of the state assembly elections. The move was aimed at providing relief to societies in urban areas like Pune and Mumbai, where residents have been paying both property tax and NA tax. Housing societies have now approached the state government to issue a formal GR in this respect. "We have informed the housing societies that the NA tax has been scrapped. However, many have received payment notices post-October. There is widespread confusion on the issue. We urge the govt to issue a GR in this regard immediately," said Suhas Patwardhan, chairperson, Maharashtra State Housing Federation. The NA tax, which dates back to the British era, is levied on properties situated on agricultural land within the municipal corporation or council limits, excluding those located in designated gaothan areas. The abolition was a long-standing demand of housing society federations. Despite the cabinet decision, lack of an official GR has left societies in a dilemma. Some have stopped paying tax based on the cabinet announcement, while others continue to pay to avoid potential penalties. Senior revenue department officials acknowledged the delay, attributing it to the timing of the assembly elections. "The law and judiciary department deferred the issue of GR last year, citing code of conduct during elections. Later, it was left to the new govt to issue the GR," a revenue department official told TOI. A senior official confirmed on Saturday that the GR is likely to be taken up in the next cabinet meeting and could be notified before August 15. "We understand the practical difficulties societies are facing. Clear directives will be issued through the GR shortly, which would give clarity to those who have paid NA tax and those who have not," the official added. In the meantime, housing societies remain divided in their approach. "We are aware that the tax has been scrapped, but without an official GR, we are hesitant to stop payment," said a senior committee member of a housing society in Kondhwa. "We have not received any directive from the state govt. Until the GR is issued, we cannot provide clear instructions to officials or societies," said a senior district administration official. The housing federation said that the issue affects thousands of housing societies and called on the govt to issue a resolution in this regard without any further delay. "This is a critical issue for middle-class homeowners. The longer the delay, the more confusion it will create. The govt must act swiftly," said Patwardhan.
